Robin Jones of Mission Hospital receives NCSA’s 2013 SHAPE Award

On Nov. 4, the North Carolina Stroke Association honored Libby Puckett, retired Executive Director of the North Carolina Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force, at its Women Honoring Women Luncheon at the Embassy Suites in Cary, N.C. More than 70 of the state’s most active stroke advocates and supporters attend the NCSA Women Honoring Women Luncheon, which was the first to be held in the Triangle. The event was attended by numerous public health advocates including State Health Director Jeffrey Engel, M.D., NC State Representative Jennifer Weiss, current Executive Director of the NC Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force, Anita Holmes, M.D., and Laura Gerald, M.D., Special Advisor to the NC Secretary of Health & Human Services. Read the full press release here.

The North Carolina Stroke Association was honored to join with Helen Jeffords, President & CEO of First National Bank, to host a special Women Honoring Women luncheon in Shelby on October 26. The luncheon recognized the work of the N.C. Stroke Association in Cleveland County. Earlier this year, NCSA awarded a NCSA Partnership Grant to Cleveland Regional Medical Center to launch its stroke program. “This luncheon recognizes the critical mission of NCSA in promoting stroke prevention and education in Cleveland County and across North Carolina,” said Jeffords. Read the full press release here.

NCSA Cycle for Life Bike Tour Held in Yadkinville on October 1

NCSA hosted its eighth annual Cycle for Life Bike Tour on October 1. More than 150 cyclists participated by riding one of the 25, 40, 65 or 100 mile routes. Cycle for Life has established itself as one of the premier fall bike tours, and is known for plentiful home-baked cookies at every rest stop, a delicious post-ride lunch and beautiful scenery. The ride begins and ends at the Hanover Park Vineyard in Yadkinville, NC. Read the full press release here.

Media Invitation: N.C. Stroke Association Honors Two Community Leaders on April 14

Media is invited to attend the annual Women Honoring Women Luncheon hosted by the N.C. Stroke Association (NCSA). This year’s luncheon will honor true community volunteers with a passion for helping others, Marian Douglas and Ann Hanes, whose long-standing support of NCSA is critical in assisting the organization with its mission of promoting stroke prevention and education across North Carolina. The luncheon also recognizes the devastating impact stroke can have on the lives of women throughout North Carolina, part of the nation’s Stroke Belt, and introduces May’s National Stroke Awareness Month. Read the full press release here.

The N.C. Stroke Association announced today that it has made a $15,000 grant to Cleveland Regional Medical Center in Shelby, N.C., to assist in the development of the hospital’s stroke program on its route to achieve Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center certification.
“We are thrilled to grant these monies to Cleveland Regional,” said Beth Parks, NCSA director. “During 2011, our focus is on providing grants and expanding our programs to improve stroke identification, prevention and patient education, particularly in high risk and underserved areas of the state.” Read the full press release here.

N.C. Stroke Association Is the Catalyst for Innovative Stroke Programs
in North Carolina’s Rural Communities

North Carolina has long been referred to as part of the Stroke Belt’s “buckle,” meaning the state’s death rates from stroke are up to three times the national average. To reduce the state’s incidence and impact of stroke, the N.C. Stroke Association collaborates with North Carolina’s community hospitals to bring innovative, turnkey, evidence-based stroke programs into their rural communities. Read More...

If you or a loved one are experiencing Stroke symptoms, call 911 and get to the hospital IMMEDIATELY! Treatments are available that may dramatically reduce a Stroke’s devastating effects—but they must be provided within a few hours of the onset of a Stroke.